What is BOTOX?
BOTOX is the trade name of Botulinum toxin, marketed by Allergan. This toxin acts by causing certain groups of facial muscles to not contract thereby helping in removing wrinkles.
How does botulinum toxin work?
BOTOX acts by causing weakness of the targeted muscle. It does this, by inhibiting the release of a chemical called acetylcholine from the nerve terminals – this results in decreased contraction of the injected muscles. So when injected into muscles that cause wrinkles on the face, BOTOX causes a visible and significant improvement by reducing wrinkles, taking years off your face, and making you look less tired, more relaxed!
Will BOTOX work for any wrinkle?
BOTOX works for dynamic wrinkles. Basically, the lines or wrinkles on our face, can be divided into static and dynamic lines. The static lines are those that are present in the face at rest – i.e., lines which are seen even when you are not making any facial expression. Dynamic lines, are those which appear only on making an expression – say, when you frown, laugh, raise your eyebrows up and so on. It is these dynamic lines that can be effectively treated with BOTOX. In general, wrinkles on the face need a combination approach. While BOTOX takes care of the dynamic lines, static lines are so much improved with a filler.
When can I have the next BOTOX injection?
A repeat session can be planned as soon as you feel the effect waning off, which should be around 3 -6 months after the first treatment. With time and repeat sessions, the wrinkles become much improved and the interval between sessions tends to increase. In other words, with regular BOTOX treatment, the wrinkles take longer and longer to reappear!
